DISCIPLINE

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 28 January 2012

Hi all,

Over the last six months or so I’ve written meditations that have placed great emphasis on discipline. We have seen how God disciplines His children. In fact God’s Word tells us that if you are not being disciplined by the Lord, you are probably not one of His children! Sure, that’s hard to believe when just about every non-believer in the world is convinced that he/she is one of God’s children.

We tend to forget that life today has a disciplinary system. Try driving around the streets and motorways on the wrong side of the road. You will quickly get the point. If the airplane to London leaves at 18h30, don’t pitch up at 19h00 and expect it to be still there. We are constantly subjected to society’s rules. Can you imagine an army that doesn’t follow orders? “Don’t wake me up now sergeant. I’m still sleeping! Marching would also be chaotic. Some would and some wouldn’t. What about direction? Where would they march to? How about Church services? When will they start? Even more important, when will they end?

Most of society’s norms are learned when we are young. Get to school late and there is a problem! In my day we were encouraged not to be late by a stick wielding headmaster. It’s amazing how his stick made sure we were there in good time. Yes, discipline was “beaten” into us. But it seems to have done me more good than harm.

Today’s meditation looks at the recent rioting in London where “kids” did their best to destroy anything and everything. Looting, burning and all sorts of anti-social behaviour were carried out in public. There was one case where a young lady who had just qualified with a University degree walked into a shop and helped herself to items of clothing. Subsequently she was horrified by her own action. But this only underscores the fact that discipline was absent in that mob. It had become redundant. Caning was thrown away. Along with it went discipline. Scripture describes as follows; ¹⁸ When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Prov. 29:18 NLT As we see, God’s Word continues to be vindicated.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Discipline

Not so many weeks ago, we saw on the TV, People in a riot, where none should ever be. Youngsters going crazy, burning down the stores. Rushing in and looting; they couldn’t carry more. That this took place in London came as a surprise. We found it difficult to see this right before our eyes. Sadly it was noted, that they were not all “yobs”. Although they stated vocally, that there weren’t any jobs. So they were disappointed and had nothing else to do, But vandalise the neighbourhood and leave it all askew. The viewers were astonished and couldn’t comprehend, Just what the world was coming to. When would the violence end? It wasn’t many years ago that life in the UK, Was very, very different, from what it is today. The children were well disciplined, were courteous and kind. But when we look at them right now, what is it now we find? A culture grossly different from what it used to be. For discipline has ended; so children can be free! Many are uneducated; some can hardly read. They thrive on TV programmes, that concentrate on greed. Violence is normal. So grab what you can get. The norms of our society no longer can be met. But I could see it happening in nineteen sixty six. The teachers could no longer give anyone the stick. They said it was inhuman, to beat a little child. The fact that it restrained them, from truly running wild, Was not even considered! For we had “spared the rod”. And didn’t seek to follow the sound advice from God. “Spare the rod and spoil the child”, was simply not believed. Psychologists knew better! But they had been deceived! Discipline moulds character. It’s plain as plain can be. That’s why it’s not surprising at what we all can see. There wasn’t any discipline and as the Lord has said The little brats had all been spoiled and this in turn had led, To what we are now seeing. God’s word had been ignored; And those who do not follow Him, will perish by the sword. Discipline is needed according to God’s Book. If we’re disobedient, then Lucifer will cook, A situation up for us that few of us desire; And when it’s at maturity, the thing will then backfire. So let’s make a decision to do what God’s Word says. Then we will find our children act according to His ways. Jim Strickland – Written, Saturday 28th January 2012